Pathum, Kamindu could become 'greats' like Mahela, Sanga – Mathews

■ Overwhelmed by the adoration expressed by the spectators

- BY SA'ADI THAWFEEQ

RETIRING Test cricketer Angelo Mathews forecast that Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis could become the players to replace 'greats' like Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara if they continue to play the way they are doing now.

"To fill the voids of the Mahelas and the Sangakkaras is not going to be easy. They are two of the greatest cricketers the world has ever seen," said Mathews at the end of the first Test against Bangladesh at Galle on Saturday.

"But I still believe that players like Kamindu Mendis and Pathum Nissanka if they keep playing the way they are playing now, they can definitely be 'greats' when they retire. They have that potential and they have shown that quality overseas and also at home.